Zoetis today announced its latest innovation in diagnostics with the addition of artificial intelligence (AI) blood smear testing to its multi-purpose platform, Vetscan ImagystTM. Introduced in September 2020, Vetscan Imagyst is a first-of-its- kind technology with a multitude of applications, including AI fecal analysis, digital cytology image transfer and now AI blood smear – ultimately helping veterinarians broaden in-clinic diagnostic offerings to provide the best possible care for dogs and cats.
The Vetscan Imagyst AI-driven blood smear capability efficiently delivers critical information that will assist veterinarians in making diagnoses of, and guiding treatment decisions for, animals who are sick or those with hematologic abnormalities. “A blood smear review is a recommended part of hematology analysis following an automated complete blood count,” said Richard Goldstein, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Global Diagnostics at Zoetis. “However, this step is often not completed in veterinary hospitals due to lack of experience, time and training.”
Vetscan Imagyst provides an easy and innovative solution by using deep machine learning AI to accurately1 and efficiently provide important blood smear results within minutes. Equipping veterinarians with this real-time crucial information, including estimated platelet count and white blood cell differentiators, drives better patient care and accurate diagnoses of blood disorders such as anemia.
“With the launch of AI blood smear, Zoetis furthers its commitment to innovative diagnostics,” said Mike Sullivan, Senior Vice President and Head of U.S. Diagnostics at Zoetis. “As technology continues to evolve, Zoetis will add new applications, providing veterinarians and their staff with the most advanced technology solutions that enable them to make important treatment decisions at the point of care.”
Delivering efficient and actionable results, Vetscan Imagyst blood smear application uses AI- driven analysis to:
- Clarify abnormalities to supplement complete blood count (CBC) results;
- Provide an estimated platelet count and identify the presence of platelet clumps, which may impact platelet count;
- Verify a white blood cell (WBC) differential (relative percent of each cell type) and absolute estimated count; and
- Identify and count polychromatophils (immature red blood cells, like reticulocytes – a key indicator of possible regeneration in anemic patients).
As needed, there is always the option to submit a digital blood smear image for expert review by clinical pathologist within the Zoetis virtual lab without rescanning the slide.
Vetscan Imagyst has had a tremendous impact on our practice, commented Jonathan Marquez, CFO and Business Manager at Northwood Animal Hospital, High Point, North Carolina. Adding this to our existing testing capabilities brings our level of care to a higher standard. Not only has it increased our efficiency, but it has also taken a great burden off our staff’s shoulders.
Vetscan Imagyst is available in the US, UK, Canada, EU, Australia and New Zealand. Zoetis encourages veterinarians to speak to their Zoetis representatives to learn more about Vetscan Imagyst, or to visit www.VetscanImagyst.com.
1Study Report No. D7045-US-21-045 (v1.0)
About Zoetis
As the world’s leading animal health company, we are driven by a singular purpose: to nurture our world and humankind by advancing care for animals. After 70 years innovating ways to predict, prevent, detect, and treat animal illness, we continue to stand by those raising and caring for animals worldwide – from livestock farmers to veterinarians and pet owners.
The company’s leading portfolio and pipeline of medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, and technologies make a difference in over 100 countries. A Fortune 500 company, we generated revenue of $7.8 billion in 2021 with ~12,100 employees. For more, visit www.zoetis.com.
About Vetscan ImagystTM
Vetscan Imagyst is the first-of-its-kind technology, offering multiple applications in a single platform. Using a compact scanner along with AI capabilities and backed up by a global network of board-certified clinical pathologists, Vetscan Imagyst delivers fast, efficient blood smear, fecal and cytology results. Learn more at www.vetscanimagyst.com.
DISCLOSURE NOTICES
Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements, which reflect the current views of Zoetis with respect to: business plans or prospects and expectations regarding products, and other future events. These statements are not guarantees of future performance or actions. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if management’s underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by a forward-looking statement. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. Zoetis expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward- looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. A further list and description of risks, uncertainties and other matters can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, including in the sections thereof captioned “Forward-Looking Statements and Factors That May Affect Future Results” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in our Current Reports on Form 8-K. These filings and subsequent filings are available online at www.sec.gov, www.zoetis.com, or on request from Zoetis.
